Two convicted felons who allegedly robbed a pool cleaner at gunpoint at a Cathedral City home were scheduled to return to court Thursday for a preliminary hearing at which a judge will decide whether a trial is warranted.
Joseph Palomino, 27, and Arturo Colin, 23, both of Sky Valley, are accused of robbing the 49-year-old victim at a home in the 28000 block of Avenida Diosa early in the morning on July 31, 2018, according to Cathedral City police Sgt. Larry Sanfillippo.
The pair are charged with one count each of robbery and for participating in a criminal street gang.
Palomino is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, and misdemeanor counts of receiving stolen property and petty theft, while Colin is also charged with four gun-related felonies.
The alleged victim, whose name was withheld, told police that two men in blue checkered shirts and jeans took his wallet and cellphone, then fled in a gold-colored four-door Cadillac.
The Cadillac was later spotted in the parking lot of the Auto Zone at 12660 Palm Drive in Desert Hot Springs, Sanfillippo said.
Palomino was taken into custody as he exited the business, while Colin was arrested inside the store, where he allegedly tried to hide a .22-caliber handgun, the sergeant said.
Both men have prior felony convictions in Riverside County. Palomino was convicted of possessing drugs/alcohol while in jail, while Colin was convicted of possessing a controlled substance while armed.
Each man remains in custody in lieu of $1 million bail.